Newsroom Press Releases

AKRON, Ohio – February 27, 2018 – A. Schulman, Inc. (Nasdaq-GS: SHLM), a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds and powders is partnering with 3M to develop innovative insulation and weight-reduced compounds that incorporate 3MTM Glass Bubbles, engineered hollow glass microspheres. The partnership is focusing on the DACH region and western Europe.

Based on both companies’ experience in the field of weight reduction, A. Schulman and 3M are combining their respec-tive core competences – 3M’s marketing power and technology to produce best-in-class glass microspheres and A. Schulman’s compounding capabilities, services and customer contacts.

“First innovations which are now in production, such as scuff plates in vehicles, show great potential for further light-weight applications’, says Heinrich Lingnau, Vice President and General Manager EMEA at A. Schulman. “Due to the combination of 3M’s hollow glass beads and our innovative filler systems, a weight reduction of 15 percent can be achieved without compromising on product properties.”

Some of A. Schulman’s newly developed reduced-density compounds can be used in existing tools without any changes in process or tool design. Reduced density leads to reduced fuel consumption, and thereby the CO2 emissions, of com-bustion engines – or the increase the range of electric-powered vehicles without high investments.

In addition to automotive light weighting, A. Schulman also focuses on developing compounds with improved insulating properties for the construction industry. By using 3M Glass Bubbles in an existing compound, thermal conductivity can be reduced by 23 percent.

About A. Schulman A. Schulman, Inc. is a leading international supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and resins headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Since 1928, the Company has been providing innovative solutions to meet its customers' demanding requirements. The Company's customers span a wide range of markets such as packaging, mobility, building & construction, electronics & electrical, agriculture, personal care & hygiene, sports, leisure & home, custom services and others. The Company employs approximately 4,900 people and has 54 manufacturing facilities globally. A. Schul-man reported net sales of approximately $2.5 billion for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2017.Additional information about A. Schulman can be found at www.aschulman.com.